Thank you all for the helpful advice. I pay for the economy ticket and then seek reimbursement which makes things a little easier. The policy permits me to pay for upgrades but the company will only pay for economy fare (which is fine I’m more than happy to pay). I need proof of the cost of the economy fare so I believe booking the economy ticket and refunding within 24hrs would work because I’m still taking that flight (alas rebooked in biz) and need to provide copies of boarding passes showing I actually flew the itin submitted for reimbursement. I did confirm if the boarding pass shows biz that’s ok as long as routing matches economy ticket that is submitted for reimbursement. What a mess but appreciate the suggestions to make it possible. Thanks!